Most patients are admitted to hospital the day before surgery. If you’re having surgery in the afternoon, you may be admitted that morning.
Some hospitals will suggest you and your family visit the intensive care unit before your surgery to become familiar with it. This is where you’ll wake up and spend the first couple of nights after your surgery.
You’ll probably have to fast for at least 6–8 hours before your surgery (including water). Your stomach needs to be empty to reduce your likelihood of vomiting during or after the procedure, which can cause pneumonia.
You may have to fill out a consent form if you haven’t done this already.
A member of the hospital staff may give you an antibiotic to reduce your risk of infection after surgery.
Waiting to go into the operating theatre
Expect to wait around for a while, as you may not be first on your surgeon’s procedure list. If your anaesthetist has prescribed a pre-med, it’ll be given during this time and may help to calm your nerves.
After your anaesthetic has been given you’ll be unconscious until the surgery has finished.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.